CUH pledges to end mental health discrimination

Cambridge University Hospitals has signed up to a national campaign to end mental health discrimination.

 

Time to Change is run by the mental health charities Mind and Rethink, and aims to get people talking openly and honestly about mental health issues, and act to end discrimination and stigma against people in mental distress.

 

 

As part of the Trust's mental health awareness week Dr Gareth Goodier, Chief Executive, yesterday co-signed an organisational pledge to support Time to Change with the campaign's director, Sue Baker.

 

"We recognise that one in four people will have a mental health problem at some point," said Dr Goodier. "We want staff and patients to feel comfortable talking about mental health issues, and support a range of initiatives that help us to provide kind, safe and excellent mental health care to our staff as well as our patients."

 

CUH is one of only two NHS trusts in the UK to run mental health first aid training for staff. It also has HIAC funding for dementia training and psychological treatment for those with long-term health conditions. It provides a free, confidential counselling helpline for staff and promotes a mental health staff support group.

 

Sue Baker said: "Mental health problems are so common, but people are reluctant to talk about them.  They worry they'll be judged.  Our campaign aims to get people talking about mental health, and break down the stigma that surrounds the topic in the process. It's fantastic that the team at Cambridge University Hospitals are doing their bit, and working hard to ensure people feel comfortable opening up about mental health problems."

 

For more information about the national campaign visit the website:

> Time to Change

 

 

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